David McCullough--twice a Pulitzer winner, for "Truman" and "John Adams"--has a new book, "The Pioneers." It's the story of the people who settled the Northwest Territory, in America, long, long ago. Of note because: McCullough obviously writes really well, and if you want a short (300 page-ish) non-doorstop-ish intro to his work, this is the book for you. ("John Adams" and "Truman" are both intimidating in their length.) Also: What a great setting for some vivid characters to do weird things! This book promises at least one bizarre real-world villain, apparently, and I look forward to meeting him....